Hazardous drywall remediation method and system

ABSTRACT

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a method and system for hazardous drywall remediation ( 1 ). The main stages of the hazardous drywall remediation method and system include conducting pre-remediation ( 2 ) of a structure, conducting remediation ( 3 ) of the structure and conducting post-mediation ( 4 ) of the structure. During pre-remediation of a structure the existence or non-existence of hazardous drywall in a structure is confirmed and documented in a written pre-remediation report ( 8 ). Next, during remediation of the structure all hazardous drywall, contaminated building materials, hazardous gasses and hazardous residues are removed from the structure. Finally, during post-mediation of the structure the non-existence of hazardous drywall in the structure is confirmed and documented in a written post-remediation report ( 29 ), which is then may be recorded in the public records ( 30 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to remediation methods and systems for structures contaminated with hazardous material, more particularly, a remediation method for identifying hazardous drywall within a structure, removing the hazardous drywall and any contaminated building materials from the interior of the structure, cleaning and removing hazardous gasses and residues from the structure and documenting, the remediation of the structure so that current occupants and future occupants will be assured that the structure has been completely remediated and is safe.

Drywall is a common building material used in residential and commercial structures for constructing interior walls. Drywall is typically made of a layer of gypsum-based plaster pressed between two thick sheets of paper, then dried in a kiln. Foreign drywall, specifically drywall originating from China, was imported by the United States during the construction boom between 2000 and 2007 because United States manufacturers were not able to keep up with the increased demand. Importation was further spurred by a shortage of American-made drywall due to the rebuilding demand of nine hurricanes that hit the United States from 2004 to 2005. The problems with imported drywall have been attributed to the use of fly ash in the drywall, which degrades in the presence of heat and moisture and emits hazardous gasses. Defective drywall exhibits several symptoms, including giving off a hydrogen sulfide gas that smells like rotten eggs and grows worse with heat and humidity. The hydrogen sulfide gas poses health risks to occupants of the structure and causes corrosion of anything metal, such as pipes, electrical wires, fixtures, appliances and even furniture, thereby creating safety hazards, such as electrical fires.

Therefore, a need exists for a method and system for performing a complete remediation of structures containing defective foreign drywall, in which the presence of hazardous drywall in a structure is determined, all hazardous drywall and contaminated building materials are removed from the structure, all hazardous gasses and residues are removed from the structure and the remediation is fully documents, thereby assuring current and future occupants that the structure poses no health or safety risks from hazardous drywall.

The relevant prior art includes the following references:

Pat. No. (U.S. unless stated otherwise) Inventor Issue/Publication Date 2009/0081310 Mason Mar. 26, 2009 7,118,718 Ellis et al. Oct. 10, 2006 FR2,863,098 Alexandroff Jan. 13, 2005 FR2,815,276 Leseigneur Apr. 19, 2002 5,753,031 Block May 19, 1998 5,741,366 Zelez et al. Apr. 21, 1998 5,685,112 Fara Nov. 11, 1997 5,511,908 Van Valkenburgh et al. Apr. 30, 1996 5,457,922 Fara Oct. 17, 1995 5,201,152 Heffner Apr. 13, 1993 5,039,365 Rutledge, Sr. et al. Aug. 13, 1991 4,608,238 Wilson, Sr. et al. Aug. 26, 1986

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a hazardous drywall remediation method and system in which all hazardous gasses and residues are removed from the structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hazardous drywall remediation method and system in which the presence of hazardous drywall in a structure is determined and documented.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hazardous drywall remediation method and system in which all hazardous drywall and contaminated building materials are removed from the structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a hazardous drywall remediation method and system in which a final inspection is performed after the remediation to ensure there is no longer any threat from the hazardous drywall.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a hazardous drywall remediation method and system in which the remediation and the final inspection are documented in a written report and recorded in the public records.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing hazardous drywall remediation method and system having a set of steps and elements for conducting pre-mediation, a set of steps for conducting the hazardous drywall remediation and a set of steps and elements for conducting post-mediation.

During pre-remediation, the existence or non-existence of hazardous drywall in a structure is confirmed and documented in a written pre-remediation report. First, the structure is inspected for signs associated with hazardous drywall. Specifically, the structure is examined for the presence of corroded metals, such as plumbing, wires, coolant lines, the interior of any air handlers, appliances, etc. If the presence of corrosion is found, then photos are taken to document the presence of hazardous drywall. In addition, the structure is inspected for the presence of any noxious odors, such as a rotten-egg smell commonly associated with wet sulfur. Finally, the results of the inspection are documented in written in a pre-remediation report that also sets forth details about the structure, such as the size of the structure, the layout of the structure, what type of heating ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) units are located in the structure and so forth.

If the presence of hazardous drywall is determined during pre-remediation, then hazardous drywall remediation is conducted. First, all necessary permits are obtained, such as alteration/remodeling permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, HVAC permits, low volt permits, etc. Next, power and water are disconnected from the structure. Then, photo documentation is taken of any corroded metals. Next, samples of the corroded metals are taken and documented. Then, demolition of the interior of the structure is carried out. First, all drywall is removed from the structure. Samples are taken from each full sheet of drywall removed from the structure and documented. In addition, photo documentation is taken of any labeling showing the source of the hazardous drywall. Next, the home is taken down to the bare studs by removing all appliances, counter tops, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, HVAC systems, insulation, wiring, doors, mill/trim work, electrical wiring, copper plumbing, hard surface flooring and so forth. Then, any contaminated building materials are disposed of, preferably in Class 1 landfills in accordance with The Federal Department of Environmental Protection's regulations. Next, the structure is vacuumed using HEPA filtered vacuums. Then, any damaged interior framing is repaired and/or replaced. Next, a cleaning procedure is performed, in which all surfaces are cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums, the air is cleaned with HEPA filtration machines and all surfaces are cleaned with a mild cleaning detergent. Then, de-humidifiers are used to accelerate the off-gassing and drying of the surfaces. Next, all surfaces are cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums. Finally, the home is ventilated with open air for a period of fourteen days.

After the hazardous drywall remediation is completed, post-remediation is conducted and the non-existence of hazardous drywall in the structure is confirmed and documented in a written post-remediation report. First, a physical inspection is performed wherein the interior of the structure is examined for any remaining signs of hazardous drywall or contaminated building materials. Then, the results of the inspection are documented in written post-remediation report that sets forth what work was performed during the hazardous drywall remediation. Then, the post-remediation report is recorded in the public records as certification to future occupants of the structure that the structure has been fully remediated and all hazardous drywall and contaminated building materials have been removed, thereby making the structure safe.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing the hazardous drywall remediation method and system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the pre-remediation stage of the hazardous drywall remediation method and system of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the remediation stage of the hazardous drywall remediation method and system of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the post-remediation stage of the hazardous drywall remediation method and system of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered accessories in the drawings is as follows:

-   1. hazardous drywall remediation method and system -   2. pre-remediation -   3. remediation -   4. post-remediation -   5. examine structure for presence of noxious odors -   6. examine structure for visual signs of contaminated building     materials -   7. take photo documentation -   8. prepare written pre-remediation report -   9. obtain necessary permits -   10. disconnect power and water -   11. collect samples of contaminated building materials -   12. demolition of interior structure -   13. remove all drywall -   14. collect samples of drywall -   15. take photos of labeling on drywall -   16. remove all contaminated building materials -   17. dispose of drywall and contaminated building materials -   18. vacuum interior of structure -   19. repair and/or replace damaged interior framing -   20. vacuum interior of structure -   21. clean all surfaces with detergent -   22. filter air -   23. de-humidify air -   24. vacuum interior of structure -   25. ventilate structure -   26. perform physical inspection -   27. examine structure for visual signs of hazardous drywall and/or     contaminated building materials -   28. examine structure for presence of noxious odors -   29. prepare written post-remediation report -   30. record post-remediation report

With reference to FIG. 1, a flow chart showing the stages of the hazardous drywall remediation method 1 of the present invention is shown. The main stages of the hazardous drywall remediation method include conducting pre-remediation 2 of a structure, conducting remediation 3 of the structure and conducting post-mediation 4 of the structure. During pre-remediation 2 of a structure the existence or non-existence of hazardous drywall in a structure is confirmed and documented in a written pre-remediation report. Next, during remediation 3 the structure all hazardous drywall, contaminated building materials, hazardous gasses and hazardous residues are removed from the structure. Finally, during post-mediation 4 of the structure the non-existence of hazardous drywall in the structure is confirmed and documented in a written post-remediation report.

Now referring to FIG. 2, a flow chart showing the pre-remediation stage 2 of the hazardous drywall remediation method 1 of the present invention is shown. First, the structure is examined for the presence of any noxious odors 5 caused by hydrogen sulfide gas, such as a rotten-egg smell commonly associated with wet sulfur. Next, the structure is inspected for any building materials showing signs of contamination 6 caused by hydrogen sulfide gas. Specifically, metals, such as plumbing, wires, coolant lines, air handlers, appliances, etc., located within the structure are examined for signs of corrosion. Then, photos are taken of any contaminated building materials 7 as evidence of the presence of hazardous drywall. Finally, the results of the inspection are documented in a written pre-remediation report 8. The pre-remediation report includes the type and size of the structure, what the structure is built out of, what the interior walls are built out of, if an noxious odors were found and if any contaminated building materials were found. In addition, the pre-remediation report states a conclusion as to whether hazardous drywall is present in the structure.

Now referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart showing the remediation stage 3 of the hazardous drywall remediation method 1 of the present invention is shown. First, all necessary permits are obtained 9, such as alteration/remodeling permits, electrical permits, plumbing permits, heating ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) permits, low volt permits, etc. Next, power and water are disconnected from the structure 10. Then, samples of contaminated building materials, such as corroded metals, are taken and documented 11. Then demolition of the interior of the structure is carried out 12. Demolition includes first removing all drywall from the structure 13. Then, taking samples from each full sheet of drywall removed from the structure 14. Next, taking photo documentation of any labeling located on the drywall that shows the source of the hazardous drywall 15. Then, taking the structure down to the bare studs by removing all contaminated building materials 16, which includes removing all appliances, counter tops, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, electrical fixtures, HVAC systems, insulation, wiring, doors, mill/trim work, electrical wiring, copper plumbing, hard surface flooring. Next, disposing of all hazardous drywall and contaminated building materials 17. Then, the structure is vacuumed 18 using HEPA filtered vacuums. Next, any damaged interior framing is repaired and/or replaced 19. Then, all surfaces are cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums for a second time 20. Next, all surfaces are cleaned with a mild cleaning detergent 21. Then, the air is cleaned with HEPA filtration machines 22. Next, de-humidifiers are placed within the structure 23 to accelerate the off-gassing and drying of the surfaces. The air may be cleaned 22 and de-humidified 23 at the same time to speed up the process. Then, all surfaces are cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums again 24. Finally, the home is ventilated with open air for an extended period of time 25.

Finally referring to FIG. 4, a flow chart showing the post-remediation stage 4 of the hazardous drywall remediation method 1 of the present invention is shown. First, a physical inspection is performed 26 wherein the interior of the structure is examined for any remaining visual signs of hazardous drywall and/or contaminated building materials 27 and the structure is examined for the presence of any noxious odors 28. Then, the results of the assessment are documented in written post-remediation report 29 that sets forth what work was performed during the remediation stage of the hazardous drywall remediation method. Then, the post-remediation report is recorded 30 in the public records as certification to future owners and/or occupants of the structure that the structure has been fully remediated and all hazardous drywall and contaminated building materials have been removed, thereby ensuring the structure is safe.

It is to be understood that while a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not to be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

1. A method for remediating a structure having hazardous drywall located therein, said method comprising the steps of: a. performing pre-remediation of the structure; b. performing remediation of the structure; and c. performing post-remediation of the structure.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein step a further comprises the steps of: physically examining the structure for visual signs of hazardous drywall; physically examining the structure for visual signs of contaminated building materials; and physically examining the structure for the presence of noxious odors.
 3. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of: taking photo documentation of contaminated building materials.
 4. The method of claim 2 further comprising the step of: preparing a written pre-remediation report.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein step b further comprises the steps of: removing all drywall from the structure; removing all contaminated building materials from the structure; disposing of the drywall and contaminated building materials; and vacuuming the structure at least one time.
 6. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: obtaining necessary permits for remediating the structure.
 7. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: disconnecting power to the structure; and disconnecting water to the structure.
 8. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: collecting samples of contaminated building materials.
 9. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: collecting samples of drywall.
 10. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: taking photos of labels located on drywall.
 11. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of repairing any damaged interior framing found in the structure; and replacing any damaged interior framing found in the structure.
 12. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: cleaning interior surfaces of the structure with a detergent.
 13. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: filtering air in the structure.
 14. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of: de-humidifying the structure.
 15. The method of claim 5 further comprising the step of ventilating the structure.
 16. The method of claim 1 wherein step c further comprises the steps of: physically examining the structure for visual signs of hazardous drywall; physically examining the structure for visual signs of contaminated building materials; and physically examining the structure for the presence of noxious odors.
 17. The method of claim 16 further comprising the step of: preparing a written post-remediation report.
 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising the step of: recording the written post-remediation report in public records.
 19. A system for remediating a structure having hazardous drywall located therein, said method comprising the elements of: performing pre-remediation of the structure; performing remediation of the structure; and performing post-remediation of the structure.
 20. The system of claim 19 wherein pre-remediation further comprises: physically examining the structure for visual signs of hazardous drywall; physically examining the structure for visual signs of contaminated building materials; and physically examining the structure for the presence of noxious odors.
 21. The system of claim 20 wherein pre-remediation further comprises: taking photo documentation of contaminated building materials.
 22. The system of claim 20 wherein pre-remediation further comprises: preparing a written pre-remediation report.
 23. The system of claim 19 wherein remediation further comprises: removing all drywall from the structure; removing all contaminated building materials from the structure; disposing of the drywall and contaminated building materials; and vacuuming the structure at least one time.
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: obtaining necessary permits for remediating the structure.
 25. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: disconnecting power to the structure; and disconnecting water to the structure.
 26. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: collecting samples of contaminated building materials.
 27. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: collecting samples of drywall.
 28. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: taking photos of labels located on drywall.
 29. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: repairing any damaged interior framing found in the structure; and replacing any damaged interior framing found in the structure.
 30. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: cleaning interior surfaces of the structure with a detergent.
 31. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: filtering air in the structure.
 32. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: de-humidifying the structure.
 33. The system of claim 23 wherein remediation further comprises: ventilating the structure.
 34. The system of claim 19 wherein post-remediation further comprises: physically examining the structure for visual signs of hazardous drywall; physically examining the structure for visual signs of contaminated building materials; and physically examining the structure for the presence of noxious odors.
 35. The system of claim 34 wherein post-remediation further comprises: preparing a written post-remediation report.
 36. The system of claim 34 wherein post-remediation further comprises: recording the written post-remediation report in public records. 